Weekend Serial — Atonement Bad Bishop, Episode 5: Riders on the Storm

Posted on by Teagan Riordain Geneviene

Saturday, January 27, 2024

Image collage by Teagan

Welcome everyone.  Horsefeathers!  How can it be that January has gone by so fast?  Yesterday (as I write this on Friday) I emailed several people for ideas for another soundtrack song.  Thanks to everyone for the great song ideas.  I’ll be choosing one of those for next weekend’s episode.  However, right after I sent out the emails, the right song came to me for this episode.

Riders on the Storm by the Doors, 1970

Previously

Honeybell shook her head worriedly.  To my astonishment, in a flawless soprano voice, she belted out an old psychedelic rock song.

“With tales of brave Ulysses

How his naked ears were tortured

By the sirens sweetly singing…

Honeybell’s eyes rolled drunkenly.  Then she toppled over in a faint.

♣ ♣ ♣

Episode 5 — Riders on the Storm

Pepper

CGI by Teagan via GenZArt

The terrain was hilly, but I believed we were at a lower altitude than the lake.  I had not been able to see the collapsed structure of Hanlon’s Mill for some time.

Storm clouds gathered in the distance, but I barely noticed them.  I stared in stunned fascination.  The little pig finished singing and immediately collapsed.

“Into this house we’re born.  Into this world we’re thrown…  We weren’t born to this, were we Maudie?  But all the stuff about my DNA — about our blood…  Maybe we were,” I murmured.

I felt bizarrely poetic, although no one seemed to notice.  How could they after witnessing a singing pig?  Unease crept up my spine, because Honeybell’s song seemed prophetic, in a way.

“Huh?  Did you say something, Pepper?  That pig’s got a damn fine voice,” Maudie Rocket muttered.

Maudie sounded like she took it all in stride, but she cast an uneasy glance at me.

My very small gray kitten abruptly started squirming like a toad.  Spike used the distraction as an opportunity to jump down from the scant safety of my arms.  Fortunately, she had not wriggled out of her harness again.  Spike pounced over to Honeybell and sniffed the pig’s snout.  Then she gave a delicate sneeze.

“Will she be okay?” I asked the others, regarding the pig who continued to murmur incoherent phrases.

“I think she was too near the siren song,” Deme, the first pig remarked.

With a gulp, I added her odd reply to my growing pile of confusion.  It had been building ever since the night I pulled my car over to the shoulder so I coud check a map, thinking I had missed a turn.  Just outside Atonement, Tennessee, I had heard a confrontation between an angel and a vampire, and I later realized a dragon had been nearby too.  I failed to suppress a shudder.

I don’t think I’ll ever get used to all this supernatural chicanery, I thought.

The pixie gave me a sympathetic look.  Until that morning when Leonidas Gathright’s minions attacked at Lake Uktena, I had known her as Dr. Mary Sue Leggett, the psychologist who had treated my late uncle, Salty Riley.

You’ve got to admit that it’s all a lot to swallow, I amended my previous thought, as Mary Sue started to elaborate on Deme’s response.

“The effects of siren song are different on the various types of supernaturals,” Mary Sue began, and Maudie and I turned to her questioningly.  “At one end of the spectrum are the few like Bheema.  No matter how strong the call, it’s a mere irritation to him.  Other sirens — and similar species can sometimes overcome the compulsion.  However, only the strongest sirens or merfolk can refuse the Siren Lord.”

“Siren Lord?  For some reason, I don’t like the sound of that,” Maudie commented and Deme gave a grunt.

“Yet, there are other supernaturals who can be compelled almost as fully as humans,” Deme finished for Mary Sue, but I felt something was missing.

“Hold on.  I thought you pigs weren’t affected by the siren noise,” I interjected.  “But it did something to your friend.”

“Pepper Riley, that’s true, but it can—  Oh, how did Honeybell say it?  It can induce states of euphoria similar to drunkenness.  Honeybell always was a light-weight,” Deme explained.  “Thank the Lady!  She’s coming around now.”

Barber Pole artifact in space CGI Teagan Imagine
CGI by Teagan via Imagine

“Honeybell!” Deme grunted excitedly.  “Usdi took you up inside the column of aurora lights, didn’t he?”

The other pig gave a half-strangled snort, as if she couldn’t believe where she had been herself.  Honeybell’s expression is a combination of bemusement and awe.

“It was amazing, Deme,” she murmured.  “I was probably as useful as an unprepared actor out on loan, but Usdi was extraordinary!  Usdi promised the… the beings that Bheema and the others would keep Enoch safe.  They all but ignored him.  Imagine!  Not believing the word of a dragon!  So I started quoting all sorts of things from the writings of Great Protectors.  They seemed intrigued, and together Usdi and I told ancient stories that illustrated how the supernaturals are committed to protecting each other and especially the artifacts.  Since the Metatron family, particularly Enoch, is the guardian of the artifacts and mysteries, that went double for protecting him.”

“And they agreed to relent?” Mary Sue asked, but Honeybell gave a loud snort.

“Yes, but based on the stories about Enoch, I think that was likely because they had a way of…” Honeybell paused as if choosing the perfect word.  “Of extracting Enoch if he was hurt.”

The pixie gave a preoccupied glance to the mound of tall gray clouds.  They drew threateningly close.  A few big drops of rain splattered on us.  I expected a downpour, but no more came.

Having drawn steadily closer, the clouds loomed threateningly above us.  Mary Sue touched her fingers to a raindrop on her face.  She put a finger to her mouth as if tasting the water.

“I fear there are riders on the storm,” she whispered.

Lexica

“What do you mean?” Maudie demanded, her brows knitted in concern.

Mary Sue started to reply, but stopped with a gasp, and looked down at Spike.  While all eyes were on Honeybell, Spike had cuddled up to the pixie, who sat on the ground beside the woozy pig.  With a surprised exclamation, the pixie flexed her injured arm.  At first Mary Sue smiled, free of pain.  However, her expression quickly turned to one of concern as she watched the kitten walk back to me.

“Oh no, Pepper.  I’m sorry.  I should have been paying attention to what was happening to myself.  I wouldn’t have let Spike heal me!  It’s been too soon since she spent all her energy on you.”

The kitten was sound asleep in my arms.  She began to purr.  Deme scampered over and snuffled Spike’s fur.  The purr became louder.

“Mary Sue, your wound wasn’t as bad as Pepper Riley’s.  Healing it wouldn’t have taken as much energy.  I think Spike is okay,” Deme remarked, sniffing every inch of the kitten.  “She seems too young to be able to know how far she can push herself with healing.  But maybe she’s more in tune with her ability than we’d expect.”

“Even so, Pepper, I’d keep an eye on her,” Mary Sue said.  “Even if she knows what she’s doing, she might sacrifice herself to heal someone else.”

♣ ♣ ♣

Pixabay

We hiked up another small hill.  From that point, I could see part of the ruined mill building, although trees prevented a full view.  The gray storm clouds had passed us by to cross the lake.  Darker than ever, at that moment they drifted toward the remains of the mill.

I jumped half out of my skin at the unexpected sound of technology when Maudie’s phone rang.  I had a sneaking suspicion that it was more than simply location and topology that made it difficult for phones to work at Lake Uktena.  When I thought about it, I was surprised that there weren’t more places around Atonement, Tennessee where phones and other technology didn’t work properly.

“Fletcher?” Maudie cried, sounding afraid to be relieved, but then she smiled.

The pixie gave me a mischievous look.

“Girl, you gotta love your man,” Mary Sue remarked with a sidelong look at my best friend and suppressed a giggle.  “She’ll take him by the hand, but does she already think the world depends on him?”

I was a little worried about Maudie Rocket.  She fell in love easily and quickly.  At least Fletcher Hodge seemed like a much better choice than Maudie’s usual love interests.  I said as much to Mary Sue while Maudie spoke to the deputy.

“Thank God you’re okay!” Maudie exclaimed into the phone.  “Look, our connection is awful, but let me put you on speaker.  Maybe Deme or Mary Sue will catch anything I might miss.  Their hearing is better than humans,” Maudie continued.

“You must know the mill collapsed,” the deputy’s voice crackled.  “It’s okay.  I mean, don’t worry.  None of us were hurt in that.  Bheema sent me to try and gather reinforcements.  The sirens…” he was saying, but voice disappeared for a moment, leaving us wondering what he said during the gap.  “— promised to help.  I don’t know if we can trust them—”

Thunder rolled from the clouds ahead.  They seemed strangely low to the earth.  Abruptly, a multi-pronged bolt of lightning struck the ground beneath.

With another blast of static, Maudie’s call with the deputy went dead.

Lexica

“Fletcher!” Maudie yelled her frustration into the phone.

Mary Sue stooped down, her hand against the dirt.  The two pigs glowed softly in the sudden dullness.  Beside her, they snuffled at the ground and sniffed the air.

Another peal of thunder split the air.  I had the odd thought that the sound was reminiscent of old western movies when there was a stampede.

The trio of supernaturals exchanged worried glances.  Mary Sue shook her head worriedly.

“Riders on the storm,” the pixie murmured the same phrase she used earlier, her gaze fixed on the clouds.

Black mist streamed down from the low clouds.  It moved in the direction of Hanlon’s Mill.  Thunder grew in volume as the flow of mist thickened.

With the sun to one side, I shielded my eyes, squinting into the distance.  As the black mist reached the ground it roiled into shapes like galloping horses.  Their hooves thundered against the ground.  The black equine shapes became more defined.  Each mount had a rider.  However, the horsemen carried their heads tucked under one arm.  The headless figures charged toward Hanlon’s Mill.

End episode.

♣ ♣ ♣

Go ahead and scream…  Weren’t we past due for something like that?  Thanks for reading.  Friendly comments are encouraged.  Hugs.

♣ ♣ ♣

Now, the obligatory shameless self-promotion.

Atonement in Zugzwang, Book 1

Universal Purchase Link
Kindle: relinks.me/B0CHNX2X6T

Paperback  relinks.me/B0CHL7DL6Q

Have a splendid new week.  Hugs!

♣ ♣ ♣

The rest of the Atonement Series

Atonement kindle covers Cat eyes shelf 2023

Atonement, Tennessee

Full series of e-books with one click:  relinks.me/B087JV25JT

Kindle:  rxe.me/HGSVA8A

Paperback: relinks.me/1481826948

Also in Spanish, translated by Olga Núñez Miret! The title for the Spanish-speaking market is Expiación y Magia

Atonement in Bloom

Kindle:  rxe.me/5RRBLH

Paperback:  relinks.me/1726882128

The Glowing Pigs, Snort Stories of Atonement, Tennessee

Kindle   rxe.me/LTBDNH

Paperback   relinks.me/1725891972

♣ ♣ ♣

This is a work of fiction.  Characters, names, places, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, locales, or events is entirely coincidental.

Copyright © 2024 by Teagan Ríordáin Geneviene

All rights reserved. 

No part of this work may be reproduced, scanned, or distributed in any printed or electronic form without permission.  Please do not participate in or encourage piracy of copyrighted materials in violation of the author’s rights.

All images are either the property of the author or used with permission, or from free sources.

54 thoughts on “Weekend Serial — Atonement Bad Bishop, Episode 5: Riders on the Storm”

    1. Thanks, Diana. LOL, I couldn’t resist using ‘squirming like a toad’… I thought I had the black riders’ scene (although that initial idea won’t show up until next time). However, when I thought of the song, their entrance started to flow. Have a great new week. Hugs.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  5. Hi Teagan, a great song choice for this exciting episode. Storm riders sound fascinating and stronger than sirens. They must be able to throw lightening and hail balls. Poor little Honeybell. A Siren Lord sounds intriguing, a bit like Poseidon in Percy Jackson.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Thanks very much, Robbie. Since you like research, I’ll give you a clue to Google… “Dullahan mythology”. They don’t have anything spectacular in the way of powers, but they’re fierce. And I imagine their physical attributes (or the lack there of) make them uniquely suited to go up against the sirens. LOL. The bit about riding the storm is just from my mind.
      Rick Riordan’s Poseidon character is fabulous. I appreciate you reading and commenting. Have a wonderful new week. Hugs.

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  7. Teagan you had a very deft hand in weaving this song tightly through the narrative of this episode. Very exciting and once again we are hanging by a thread until next time (which I really hope is next week.)

    Hope hugs humming your way. 🐷🐷🐷

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Thanks for reading so attentively, Pat. I enjoyed using what the song added to my process. I’m still working toward the notes I made a few weeks ago (thinking they that they would be the next episode) so I have material, and that’s a good sign. Hugs winging back to you.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  9. That was certainly an episode that leads us…. to …. wherever the Storm Riders wind up.

    Just because they’re headed to the Mill, and land at the Mill, doesn’t mean the Mill itself is the end game.

    I adore Spike!

    Great episode, Teagan. Your imagination is a creation.

    Hugs!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Now, that’s good feedback, John. LOL, maybe it’s evil of me, but hairs shooting up was the reaction I wanted. 😀 Maybe next week I’ll finally be at the scene I’ve had in mind for Fletcher… and adding the black riders has put Radar Love in my head for the scene. Although the Johnny Cash song on the list you sent is begging to be used. Hmmm… I can see Maudie saying something like that, “Sooner or later God’ll cut you down.” Hugs.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  11. Uh oh. Headless horsemen on thundering steeds can’t be good. “Riders on the Storm” was a big part of the soundtrack of my teenage years. My favorite line from this episode is “I felt bizarrely poetic.”

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  13. Did the idea come from the song, or did you pick the song to accompany the chapter. This is one of my favorite Doors’ pieces. Jim Morrison was such a creative talent. Anyway, this was a superb chapter especially because it featured had all my favorite characters and ended in a cliffhanger!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Thanks very much, Noelle. Usually I let the “random reader things” or the soundtrack suggestions drive the episode. But not this time — I looked for the song to fit the episode. However, it did inspire some of the dialogue.
      I agree about Jim Morrison. His poetic lyrics drive down deeper than the surface. The 1991 Doors movie (with Val Kilmer as Morrison) had a profound effect on me. Especially the song Break on Through — after seeing the movie, that song stayed in my head for months.
      I appreciate your feedback, and your comment. Hugs.

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      Reply

        1. OMG! What an awful end to a vacation, Noelle. I hope you don’t have any lasting effects from it.
          I’ve never been able to decide whether I like the Doors version of “Light My Fire” or José Feliciano’s cover. The two have such different moods, so maybe I like them equally for different reasons.

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    1. 😀 Thanks so much GP. I had notes for the next (?) episode… although I’ve now written three other chapters trying to get to the scene in those notes! LOL. Anyhow, the need for new supernaturals for that future episode came to me this week. I appreciate you reading and commenting. Hugs.

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  17. Sometimes, if I wake up after midnight, I look for you post. I read it and go back to sleep. I am so glad that didn’t happen last night. I’m much happier reading this at the beginning of a new day, Teagan. Even so, I think I’ll be looking over my shoulder during my walk. I don’t know what’s coming on this storm front, but I’m glad I’m not out walking in the hills with this crew. I hope they have the help they need. I hope Fletcher is safe and Spike recovers from expending his energy – I fear we’re going to need his help again. Riders carrying their heads under their arms. Yeah, not something I want to think about before bed.

    Well done. I can’t wait for next week’s edition. Until then, I hope you have a wonderful week.

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. Haha. I’m certainly happy that I didn’t cause you any bad dreams, Dan. I hoped a creepy ending was as good as a cliffhanger. It felt like the right place to stop. Besides, since I couldn’t manage to write until yesterday, I was lucky to get that far. And yet, this morning I saw mistakes I had made…. (Now corrected) So I guess it really was the place to stop. (Eye roll) Wishing you and yours a good week also. Hugs.

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    1. Thanks, Tim. The CGIs were giving me fits about the image I wanted. Stubborn as always, I finally made the collage. Now Riders on the Storm alternates with Wolf is in the Winter Moon on that loop inside my brain. LOL.
      Oh, my back has preoccupied me this week. I’ll send you a few interview questions today. Hugs.

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